PLEASE check out your intended fish purchases here first!

[snorvich]

Thanks for your help! I guess I won't be getting a Hepatus tang after all.

You are most welcome; feel free to check back.

 

[WetShepherd]

Originally Posted by WetShepherd
Revised list for consideration. Note that I'm looking to cut fish from this list and do not plan to load them all in my 55 long (info in signature). Current fish are in bold.

Currently the tank is 6 months old and is a mixed reef (elegance, torches, gorgonian, pavona, ricordia, zoas and acropora.

1 Ocellaris Female
1 Yellow Wrasse
1 Royal Gramma

1 Azure Damsel may be a bit aggressive
1 Kaudern's Cardinal
2 Purple Firefish must be a bonded pair to survive long term
1 Mandarin (appropriately established tank +fuge required) marginalo for this sized tank, but may be ok with a producing refugium and no competition for copepods

Any help with choosing or eliminating would be very much appreciated - I'm also open to alternative suggestions of course

Thank you again Steve - your guidance is always appreciated
I have a quick follow-up if that's ok? I'm trying to gauge what would be an appropriate bioload. If I pruned the list down to the following, am I good, maxed out, or would I have too many (cut how many?) in the tank?

1 Ocellaris Female
1 Yellow Wrasse
1 Royal Gramma
1 Azure Damsel may be a bit aggressive **
2 Purple Firefish must be a bonded pair to survive long term ***
1 Mandarin (appropriately established tank +fuge required) marginalo for this sized tank, but may be ok with a producing refugium and no competition for copepods

***I will almost certainly rule out the damsel due to your note, but I'd like to keep him on the list to reserve the bio-load space. I'd very much like to add a fish with that shape, but I haven't been able to find one that will fit my tanks specs (too small for Tangs, Dwarf Angels aren't reef safe) other than Damsels, so I chose what I thought would be the least aggressive.

*** Does this mean that purple firefish are better added as a single, or that I must add more than one and also ensure that they are bonded?

Thanks again!

 

[snorvich]

Thank you again Steve - your guidance is always appreciated
I have a quick follow-up if that's ok? I'm trying to gauge what would be an appropriate bioload. If I pruned the list down to the following, am I good, maxed out, or would I have too many (cut how many?) in the tank?

I think your bioload is fine and in fact could handle a small fish

1 Ocellaris Female
1 Yellow Wrasse
1 Royal Gramma
1 Azure Damsel may be a bit aggressive **
2 Purple Firefish must be a bonded pair to survive long term ***
1 Mandarin (appropriately established tank +fuge required) marginal for this sized tank, but may be ok with a producing refugium and no competition for copepods

***I will almost certainly rule out the damsel due to your note, but I'd like to keep him on the list to reserve the bio-load space. I'd very much like to add a fish with that shape, but I haven't been able to find one that will fit my tanks specs (too small for Tangs, Dwarf Angels aren't reef safe) other than Damsels, so I chose what I thought would be the least aggressive.

*** Does this mean that purple firefish are better added as a single, or that I must add more than one and also ensure that they are bonded?

Firefish can always be added as singles, but ideally should be established early as they are easily intimidated. For two, you need a M/F pair which is not so easy to figure out as there is no obvious morphological difference

Thanks again!

 

[twitchzoo]

stocking list

stocking list

I am in the process of setting up a RR 120g 48"x24"x24" w/ 40g breeder sump, protein skimmer and live rock. I plan to start with FOWLR, adding corals as I get some experience. Here is a list of fish I like, I would appreciate input:

Firefish and/or Scissortail Dartfish - Can I have both or do I choose?
Ocellaris clowns - 1 or pair?
Royal Gramma trio?
Combo of Fairy & Flasher Wrasses - please advise
I love gobies: green clown, Midas, orange spotted - will they get along?
Blennies are great too: starry, tailspot, red scooter?

Down the road:
Anthias Lyretail?
Beauty Angel
Kleins butterflyfish
Dragonet Mandarin
Koles or Half Black mimic tang
Blue chin trigger
Hawkfish

 

[snorvich]

I am in the process of setting up a RR 120g 48"x24"x24" w/ 40g breeder sump, protein skimmer and live rock. I plan to start with FOWLR, adding corals as I get some experience. Here is a list of fish I like, I would appreciate input:

Firefish and/or Scissortail Dartfish - Can I have both or do I choose? One or the other
Ocellaris clowns - 1 or pair?
Royal Gramma trio? I have never kept a trio, but theoretically possible?
Combo of Fairy & Flasher Wrasses - please advise That is a whole long discussion. I would be happy to comment on ones you select
I love gobies: green clown, Midas, orange spotted - will they get along?
Blennies are great too: starry, tailspot, red scooter?

Red scooters are not blennies they are dragonets

Down the road:
Anthias Lyretail?
Beauty Angel Coral Beauty (?) is not reef compatible
Kleins butterflyfish is not reef compatible
Dragonet Mandarin requires a mature tank (7 months)
Koles or Half Black mimic tang
Blue chin trigger I do not recommend triggers for reef tanks
Hawkfish

Will eat shrimp

Some of your question are very open ended and require discussion that is better in the Reef Fishes Forum.

 

[Collinrb]

Hey I have a 55g just with a protien skimmer and lr/ls. Currently have a bicolor angel and 2 extreme misbar clowns. Wondering if you had any suggestions for new additions. Plan on keeping a mixed reef.

 

[twitchzoo]

Thanks Steve, I will do some more research based on your comments and be back with more ?'s later!

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Hey I have a 55g just with a protien skimmer and lr/ls. Currently have a bicolor angel and 2 extreme misbar clowns. Wondering if you had any suggestions for new additions. Plan on keeping a mixed reef.

The bicolor angel isn't going to play well in a mixed reef. They nip at stonies and softies.

A royal gramma would be a nice addition to a mixed reef.

 

[Collinrb]

Actually the bicolor is living nicely with the zoas, polyps and mushrooms I've got in there now. Will always be watching him, but for now he's beautiful and peaceful.

 

[snorvich]

Hey I have a 55g just with a protien skimmer and lr/ls. Currently have a bicolor angel and 2 extreme misbar clowns. Wondering if you had any suggestions for new additions. Plan on keeping a mixed reef.

Well, the angel is probably not reef safe. I personally love small fish with interesting habits but I purposely do not suggest fish as our tastes will almost certainly differ.

 

[snorvich]

Thanks Steve, I will do some more research based on your comments and be back with more ?'s later!

Always happy to get questions about fish choices and their compatibility with each other and the environment you are providing.

 

[Collinrb]

Well, the angel is probably not reef safe. I personally love small fish with interesting habits but I purposely do not suggest fish as our tastes will almost certainly differ.

Alright allow me to be slightly more specific then. I love bicolor angels and feel they get a bad rap about being reef safe. He was young when I got him so I dont think he got the chance to develop a taste for the corals. You never know. I was wondering what your opinions were as far as an algae eating blenny, gobies, and some kind of fish for the upper section of the water column. Not saying what you say is what I'm going to put into the tank I'm just looking for ideas, past experiences, etc

 

[snorvich]

Alright allow me to be slightly more specific then. I love bicolor angels and feel they get a bad rap about being reef safe. He was young when I got him so I dont think he got the chance to develop a taste for the corals. You never know. I was wondering what your opinions were as far as an algae eating blenny, gobies, and some kind of fish for the upper section of the water column. Not saying what you say is what I'm going to put into the tank I'm just looking for ideas, past experiences, etc

Suggestions are better acquired in the Reef Fish forum. I don't do suggestions as our tastes differ (as obviously do our opinions)

 

[RattlerSkin]

I just want to make sure my intended purchases are compatible. I have an established 75G reef system with a Ocellaris Clown, Firefish, YW Goby, Fire Shrimp and Skunk Cleaner. Looking to add:

Yellowhead Jawfish
Tanaka Pygmy Wrasse
Red Mandarin
Kole Tang

I have seeded my refugium and display numerous times with different pods so the Mandarin will (hopefully) be a success story; I see lots of pod movement at night in my DT and in my refugium during the day (reverse light cycle).

 

[snorvich]

I just want to make sure my intended purchases are compatible. I have an established 75G reef system with a Ocellaris Clown, Firefish, YW Goby, Fire Shrimp and Skunk Cleaner. Looking to add:

Yellowhead Jawfish
Tanaka Pygmy Wrasse
Red Mandarin
Kole Tang

I have seeded my refugium and display numerous times with different pods so the Mandarin will (hopefully) be a success story; I see lots of pod movement at night in my DT and in my refugium during the day (reverse light cycle).

All should be compatible. Be sure your tank is covered with quarter inch holes maximum as jawfish like to jump.

 

[jason2459]

I asked about a jawfish previously and now I have my 180 up and going. Now I want to run the entire list across for opinions this time as I've been thinking about the fish list I had and have revised it a bit, again.

I want to be as reefsafe as possible so that throws out a copper banded butterfly and flame angel that I really like. I also don't want HUGE fish so that throws out most all tangs even the chevron or tennenti that I wanted before. I got to see an A. tennenti fully grown pushing 10-11" and wow it was an amazing fish. Then I imagined it in my 180 and just didn't want to go that route anymore.

So here's my revised revised revised revised revised...etc. planned fish list and approximate order I will be adding them.

Already Have:
1 yellow watchman goby paired with tiger pistol shrimp
1 false perc
1 starry blenny
2 kauderni cardinals
1 sharknose goby
1 Magnificent foxface

Plan to get
1 M. Bipartitus (actively waiting for one to show up on DD. Preferably already a male)
2 Redtail Flasher Wrasses (P. rubricaudalis)
1 Blue Spot Jawfish
1 Tomini Tang
2 Bellus Angel Fish
1 Fathead Sunburst Anthias (is it really an anthia? Serranocirrhitus latus)
2 Redhead Solon Fairy Wrasses
3 Ignitus Pseudanthias

I have a canopy with a open back and plan to put a screen across the back. Should I still look at getting 1/4" screen to cover the three top sections between the braces on the tank?

 

[snorvich]

I asked about a jawfish previously and now I have my 180 up and going. Now I want to run the entire list across for opinions this time as I've been thinking about the fish list I had and have revised it a bit, again.

I want to be as reefsafe as possible so that throws out a copper banded butterfly and flame angel that I really like. I also don't want HUGE fish so that throws out most all tangs even the chevron or tennenti that I wanted before. I got to see an A. tennenti fully grown pushing 10-11" and wow it was an amazing fish. Then I imagined it in my 180 and just didn't want to go that route anymore.

So here's my revised revised revised revised revised...etc. planned fish list and approximate order I will be adding them.

Already Have:
1 yellow watchman goby paired with tiger pistol shrimp
1 false perc
1 starry blenny
2 kauderni cardinals Need to be M+F but if you have had them for a while, and they "hang out" together, you are fine
1 sharknose goby
1 Magnificent foxface

Plan to get
1 M. Bipartitus (actively waiting for one to show up on DD. Preferably already a male)

I have seen one male on DD, the remainder females

2 Redtail Flasher Wrasses (P. rubricaudalis) M+F
1 Blue Spot Jawfish This does best at cooler temperatures e.g. 74/75 and is a prolific jumper
1 Tomini Tang
2 Bellus Angel Fish
1 Fathead Sunburst Anthias (is it really an anthia? Serranocirrhitus latus)
2 Redhead Solon Fairy Wrasses If male female, you should be fine but two males will not work
3 Ignitus Pseudanthias

That will be a "busy" looking tank

I have a canopy with a open back and plan to put a screen across the back. Should I still look at getting 1/4" screen to cover the three top sections between the braces on the tank?

Mesh net tops with 1/4 inch holes would be preferred unless you are SURE the fish will fall back into the water

 

[jason2459]

Mesh net tops with 1/4 inch holes would be preferred unless you are SURE the fish will fall back into the water

Thanks, I have the tank set to 76F since I last talked to you in this thread about the blue spot jawfish. I got the kauderni cardinals from DD as a pair a while ago and they've been good together so far.

As I keep adding the fish I may stop after the sunburst fathead. I really want the fish listed before that. But yes I decided I really like a bunch of smaller fish compared to a few large fish.

 

[snorvich]

Thanks, I have the tank set to 76F since I last talked to you in this thread about the blue spot jawfish.

76F should work. Consider building him/her a PVC home and inserting into your sand bed

I got the kauderni cardinals from DD as a pair a while ago and they've been good together so far.

Animosity is immediate so you should be fine. Any mating?

As I keep adding the fish I may stop after the sunburst fathead. I really want the fish listed before that. But yes I decided I really like a bunch of smaller fish compared to a few large fish.

I too have evolved to the point of preferring smaller fish. When I started in the '80's I was the opposite.

 

[jason2459]

Animosity is immediate so you should be fine. Any mating?

Since I got them a few months back they have grown quite a bit. And in just the past week since adding them to the 180 they have been doing their spinning around each other dance and knocking a lot more. So, I'm hoping to see a full mouth soon.